Avion Express Philippines Secures Permit for November 2025 Launch Amid Aviation Boom

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Avion Express Philippines Secures Permit for November 2025 Launch Amid Aviation Boom

Avion Express Philippines has cleared its final regulatory hurdle, securing a temporary operating permit from the Civil Aeronautics Board in August 2025 — paving the way for a November launch at Clark International Airport in Angeles City. The airline, a subsidiary of global aviation giant Avia Solutions Group, won’t sell tickets directly. Instead, it will operate behind the scenes, supplying aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance to other carriers through ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance) leases. It’s a quiet revolution in the skies — one that could reshape how airlines in Southeast Asia handle seasonal surges and sudden fleet gaps.

Why This Matters to Every Filipino Traveler

Passenger traffic in the Philippines jumped exactly 11% in the first quarter of 2025, according to the CAB. That’s not a blip — it’s a trend. The World Travel and Tourism Council forecasts tourism will contribute precisely one-fifth of the country’s GDP by year’s end. But here’s the catch: airlines can’t find enough planes to meet demand. Aircraft deliveries are stuck in supply-chain limbo. Leasing is expensive. And buying new jets? That’s a multi-year gamble most carriers can’t afford. Enter Avion Express Philippines. By offering flexible, short-term wet leases, it lets airlines like Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, or even new regional players test routes to Boracay, Siargao, or Palawan without locking in capital. No long-term debt. No grounded planes. Just more flights when they’re needed most.

The ACMI Model: A Secret Weapon for Asia’s Aviation Surge

ACMI isn’t new — but it’s never been this critical in Southeast Asia. Martynas Grigas, Chairman of Avion Express Philippines, puts it bluntly: “The recovery in passenger numbers has outpaced aircraft availability.” That’s why the company’s first Airbus A320-200 is already being prepped for delivery. Two more will join by June 2026. Each plane will be fully staffed and maintained by Avion Express, ready to be handed over to a partner airline on 30 days’ notice. Think of it like renting a fully loaded truck — engine, driver, insurance, and all — instead of buying one and hiring mechanics. For airlines, it’s a game-changer. It means they can suddenly add a route to Tuguegarao for the Christmas rush, or replace a grounded A320 during typhoon season, without the risk of idle assets.

Avia Solutions Group’s Global Chessboard

This isn’t just a Philippine play. It’s part of a much bigger move by Avia Solutions Group, headquartered in Vilnius, Lithuania. With 209 aircraft under management worldwide, it’s the largest ACMI provider on earth. In the last two years alone, it’s launched BBN Airlines Indonesia, rebranded Skytrans as SmartLynx Australia, certified Thai SmartLynx Airlines, and is finalizing operations in Malaysia and Brazil. And now? Mexico. The strategy is simple: flood high-growth markets with flexible capacity. European carriers like Air France-KLM Group, Lufthansa Group, and TUI use Avia’s services to offload seasonal demand. Now, those same planes — or their twins — can fly from Clark to Cagayan de Oro in July, then return to Europe in December. It’s a global carousel of capacity, optimized for profit and flexibility.

Who’s Running the Show — and What’s Next

Who’s Running the Show — and What’s Next

Rene Banzon, the local chief of Avion Express Philippines, is focused on execution. “We’re not just adding planes,” he said. “We’re building a system — from crew recruitment to maintenance hangars — that can scale fast.” The company is hiring Filipino pilots and engineers, partnering with local training academies, and setting up a dedicated MRO facility at Clark. The goal? To become the region’s go-to ACMI hub. And with the Philippines’ Department of Tourism pushing to connect 15 new regional airports by 2027, the timing couldn’t be better. Imagine a small airline launching a weekly flight to Siargao using an Avion Express A320 — no upfront cost, no fleet risk. That’s the future they’re building.

Why This Is Bigger Than Just One Airline

This isn’t just about filling gaps. It’s about democratizing air travel in a country where 60% of the population lives outside Metro Manila. Regional airports like Kalibo, Dipolog, and Busuanga have long struggled with inconsistent service. Airlines hesitate to commit because demand fluctuates with tourism seasons. Avion Express removes that barrier. It turns risk into opportunity. And with the Asia-Pacific region projected by IATA to lead global passenger growth over the next two decades, the Philippines is becoming a linchpin — not just for tourism, but for aviation innovation. This model could be replicated across Indonesia, Vietnam, and even Papua New Guinea. The real winners? Travelers who finally get more flight options. And regional economies that get new access to the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will Avion Express Philippines affect ticket prices for travelers?

Direct ticket prices won’t change — Avion Express doesn’t sell tickets. But by enabling more airlines to launch or expand routes, especially to underserved areas, competition will increase. More flights mean better scheduling and, over time, downward pressure on fares. In regions like Mindanao and the Visayas, where flights are scarce, this could mean lower prices and more options within the next 18 months.

What’s the difference between ACMI and a regular lease?

A standard dry lease only provides the aircraft. ACMI — or wet lease — includes everything: the plane, fully crewed pilots and cabin staff, ongoing maintenance, insurance, and even operational support. It’s turnkey. For airlines, this means they can launch a route in weeks, not months. For Avion Express, it’s a high-margin service business built on reliability and speed — not aircraft ownership.

Why is Clark International Airport the chosen base?

Clark offers deep infrastructure, proximity to Manila (just 80km away), and underutilized runway capacity. It’s also a designated economic zone with tax incentives for aviation firms. Unlike Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which is maxed out, Clark can handle rapid expansion — making it ideal for a new ACMI operator needing hangar space, crew facilities, and logistics support.

How does this impact European airlines?

European carriers like Lufthansa and TUI face winter slumps in passenger demand. By deploying their excess A320s to the Philippines during Europe’s off-season, they earn revenue from otherwise idle assets. Avia Solutions Group acts as the middleman, managing operations locally while the European airline retains ownership. It’s a smart way to balance seasonal demand across continents.

What challenges could delay Avion Express Philippines’ launch?

Supply-chain delays for spare parts, pilot certification bottlenecks, or sudden changes in Philippine aviation regulations could push timelines. While the temporary permit is secured, final air operator certification requires months of audits. Also, if global fuel prices spike, operating costs could rise, squeezing margins. But with a phased fleet rollout and strong local partnerships, the company is betting on adaptability.

Is this model sustainable long-term?

Yes — if demand stays strong. The Philippines’ tourism growth isn’t temporary. With IATA projecting Asia-Pacific passenger numbers to double by 2040, and regional airports still underdeveloped, ACMI services will remain essential. Avia Solutions Group’s global network gives it leverage to shift assets efficiently. This isn’t a flash in the pan — it’s the new normal for aviation in fast-growing markets.

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20 Comments

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    Orlaith Ryan

    November 18, 2025 AT 02:28
    This is HUGE. More flights to Siargao? Yes please. 🙌
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    Hailey Parker

    November 19, 2025 AT 18:43
    So let me get this straight - we’re outsourcing our aviation growth to a Lithuanian company so airlines can avoid buying planes? Classic. But honestly? If it gets me to Boracay without bankrupting my savings, I’m all in. 🤷‍♀️✈️
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    Arvind Pal

    November 20, 2025 AT 22:58
    Cool. More planes = more trips. Simple math. I’m here for it
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    Chris Richardson

    November 22, 2025 AT 06:30
    This is actually genius. Airlines have been stuck between a rock and a hard place - need more capacity but can’t afford new jets. ACMI lets them flex like a gym membership. No long-term contract, just fly when you need to. And for travelers? More options, better schedules, maybe even cheaper fares. Win-win.
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    amrin shaikh

    November 23, 2025 AT 11:59
    Let’s be real - this isn’t innovation, it’s corporate outsourcing dressed up as ‘democratization.’ You think Filipinos are suddenly going to benefit because a Lithuanian firm leases planes? The real winners are the shareholders of Avia Solutions Group. Meanwhile, local pilots get exploited as cheap labor, and the government gets a PR win while letting foreign entities control critical infrastructure. Pathetic.
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    jai utkarsh

    November 24, 2025 AT 20:04
    Ah yes, the classic neoliberal fantasy - let foreign capital solve domestic structural failures. We’re not just leasing aircraft, we’re leasing sovereignty. The Philippines, a nation with over 7,000 islands, has failed to build its own aviation ecosystem, so now we outsource our air connectivity to a company headquartered in Vilnius, where the average wage is less than half of Manila’s? This isn’t progress - it’s surrender. And don’t even get me started on how these ‘wet leases’ will erode local training standards when foreign crews dominate the cockpit. The future of Filipino aviation is being auctioned off in a corporate boardroom.
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    J Mavrikos

    November 26, 2025 AT 00:10
    I love this. Think about it - a plane from Clark to Tuguegarao for Christmas? That’s the kind of thing that connects families. People in the provinces finally get to see their loved ones without a 12-hour bus ride. This isn’t just business - it’s human connection.
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    DJ Paterson

    November 26, 2025 AT 08:50
    It’s fascinating how aviation has become a globalized dance of assets. A plane built in Toulouse, crewed by Filipinos, maintained in Clark, leased to a Thai airline, then flown back to Europe in winter. We’re not just moving people - we’re moving capital, labor, and opportunity across continents. The real question isn’t whether this model works - it’s whether we’re ready to think beyond borders when it comes to infrastructure.
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    Stuart Sandman

    November 26, 2025 AT 10:35
    Wait - so a Lithuanian company is now running half the flights in the Philippines? And you call this ‘progress’? What’s next? Chinese drones patrolling Palawan? This is just the first step. They’ll take over the airports next. Then the ATC. Then the national airspace. It’s all part of the plan. You think this is about tourism? It’s about control. Wake up.
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    Nikhil nilkhan

    November 28, 2025 AT 08:40
    Honestly? I’ve been waiting for something like this. The last time I tried to fly to Dipolog, there were two flights a week - and one got canceled because the plane was ‘in maintenance.’ If this means more reliable service, I’m all for it. Let’s support local hiring too - that’s the real win.
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    Jacquelyn Barbero

    November 29, 2025 AT 12:38
    This is the kind of thing that makes me believe in the future 😭✈️ More flights to the provinces = more chances for small businesses, more family reunions, more tourism $$$ flowing where it’s needed. Philippines, you’re doing it right!
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    John Bartow

    December 1, 2025 AT 05:41
    You know, in many parts of the world, aviation isn’t just about getting from point A to point B - it’s about identity, dignity, access. In the Philippines, where islands are separated by water and poverty by geography, having more flight options isn’t a luxury - it’s a lifeline. This model, though foreign-owned, is enabling something deeply local: the right to move. And that’s worth celebrating, even if the corporate structure feels a bit cold.
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    toby tinsley

    December 1, 2025 AT 17:15
    I appreciate the innovation here, but I wonder if we’re being too quick to praise foreign investment without demanding stronger local ownership stakes. Can we build a future where Filipino firms eventually buy into this system? Not just as employees, but as shareholders? That’s the real goal - not dependency, but partnership.
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    Sandy Everett

    December 2, 2025 AT 17:58
    I’m not against this, but I hope the training programs are actually high-quality and not just fast-tracked to meet quotas. Safety shouldn’t be sacrificed for speed. Let’s make sure the people flying these planes are truly prepared.
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    Richard Berry

    December 2, 2025 AT 23:19
    so like… if i book a flight on cebu pacific but the plane is from this avion express thing… does that mean my flight is kinda like a rental car? lol idk but im excited
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    Mark Archuleta

    December 4, 2025 AT 12:31
    The ACMI model is essentially a capacity arbitrage play - leveraging underutilized assets across geographies to match demand elasticity. In aviation, fixed costs are brutal, so variable operational models like this reduce capital intensity. It’s not just about planes - it’s about operational agility. And with the Asia-Pacific’s passenger growth projected at 5.3% CAGR through 2040, this isn’t a trend - it’s the new baseline for regional connectivity.
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    Damini Nichinnamettlu

    December 5, 2025 AT 04:02
    They think they’re helping us but they’re just replacing our jobs with their systems. We should be building our own airline, not letting foreigners run our skies. This is not progress - it’s colonization with a business plan.
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    Dan Ripma

    December 5, 2025 AT 17:48
    There is a profound irony here: we speak of democratizing air travel, yet the architecture of this democratization is built upon a corporate hierarchy that answers to shareholders in Vilnius, not to the communities in Mindanao. The plane may land in Kalibo, but the decisions - the pricing, the scheduling, the hiring - are made in boardrooms where no Filipino voice is seated. Is this liberation, or merely a more efficient form of exclusion? We must ask not just whether this works - but who it works for.
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    Pete Thompson

    December 7, 2025 AT 07:01
    You all are acting like this is some kind of miracle. But let’s not pretend this isn’t just another way for Western-backed firms to profit off developing nations’ infrastructure gaps. You think they care about your ‘regional airports’? They care about margins. Next thing you know, they’ll be charging extra for ‘priority boarding’ on flights to Boracay. And who’s gonna pay for it? The poor. Again.
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    Chandan Gond

    December 8, 2025 AT 04:49
    This is the kind of breakthrough we’ve been waiting for! More flights, more jobs, more chances for families to connect. Every time a plane takes off from Clark, it’s not just carrying passengers - it’s carrying hope. Keep going, team. You’re changing lives. 🙏✈️

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